Whether you’re chatting with friends or talking to a patient in a clinic, being able to describe fatigue, sleepiness, or general tiredness is essential. Spanish offers a few different phrases and expressions depending on what kind of tired you mean—physical, mental, or sleepy.
Let’s explore the most common ways to talk about being tired in Spanish, and how to use them correctly!
1. Tengo sueño – I’m sleepy / I feel like sleeping
This phrase literally means “I have sleep,” and it’s the most common way to express sleepiness, especially when you’re ready for bed or need a nap.
🗣️ Examples:
- Tengo mucho sueño. – I’m really sleepy.
- No dormí bien anoche, por eso tengo sueño. – I didn’t sleep well last night, that’s why I’m sleepy.
💡 Grammar tip: Use the verb tener + sueño (noun).
2. Estoy cansado/cansada – I’m tired
This is the go-to way to express physical or mental fatigue. Use cansado if you’re male, and cansada if you’re female.
🗣️ Examples:
- Estoy cansado después del trabajo. – I’m tired after work.
- Después de la caminata, todos estaban muy cansados. – After the hike, everyone was very tired.
💡 Grammar tip: Use the verb estar + adjective.
3. Tengo fatiga – I have fatigue
This expression is often used in medical settings to describe chronic or intense tiredness, often beyond just needing rest.
🗣️ Examples:
- El paciente dice que tiene fatiga constante. – The patient says they have constant fatigue.
- ¿Tiene fatiga o dificultad para respirar? – Do you have fatigue or trouble breathing?
⚠️ Note: People don’t commonly use “fatiga” in casual conversation to say they’re simply tired. It’s more clinical.
Quick Summary Table
| Spanish Phrase | English Meaning | Common Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tengo sueño | I’m sleepy | Everyday conversation |
| Estoy cansado/a | I’m tired | Everyday conversation |
| Tengo fatiga | I have fatigue | Medical or formal use |
Bonus: Other Useful Phrases
- Estoy agotado / agotada – I’m exhausted.
(More intense than “cansado.”) - No tengo energía. – I have no energy.
(Could refer to physical or emotional fatigue.) - Necesito descansar. – I need to rest.
How to Ask Someone If They’re Tired in Spanish
- ¿Tienes sueño? – Are you sleepy?
- ¿Estás cansado/a? – Are you tired?
- ¿Siente fatiga? – Do you feel fatigued? (formal or medical)
🛏️ ¿Y tú? ¿Estás cansado o solo tienes sueño? Let us know in the comments!
✅ Want to keep learning everyday phrases like this? Check out our other blog posts or join one of our online Spanish workshops for real-life communication practice!
